Why It Matters
Former President Joe Biden issued his first post-presidency political endorsement Friday, backing Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia’s Democratic gubernatorial primary. The endorsement adds national Democratic weight to a crowded field ahead of the May 19 primary, though Georgia hasn’t elected a Democratic governor in more than two decades.
What Happened
Biden released a video endorsement calling Bottoms “something special” and saying she is ready to lead Georgia. Bottoms served as Atlanta’s mayor before joining the Biden administration as a senior adviser. She was also considered for the vice presidential slot in 2020.
In the video, Biden praised the former mayor as “smart” and “focused,” adding that “the same qualities that made her a great mayor made her invaluable to our administration.”
By The Numbers
Georgia has not elected a Democratic governor since 1999, when Roy Barnes won and served until 2003. Democrat Stacey Abrams lost to Republican Brian Kemp by less than two percentage points in 2018, then lost again by more than seven points in 2022. Bottoms currently leads public polling in the Democratic primary field, though it remains unclear if she will surpass 50% and avoid a runoff.
The Competition
Bottoms faces former Georgia state Senator Jason Esteves, former state labor commissioner Michael Thurmond, and former Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, who switched from Republican to Democrat. The Republican primary field includes businessman Rick Jackson and Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, who lead in polling, along with Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and state Attorney General Chris Carr. Governor Brian Kemp is term-limited and cannot seek reelection.
Zoom Out
Georgia remains a battleground state in federal elections but skews Republican in statewide races. The gubernatorial contest will test whether Democrats can overcome structural disadvantages in state-level contests, even as the party has seen recent success in presidential and Senate races.
What’s Next
The Democratic and Republican primaries take place May 19. If no candidate in either primary wins more than 50% of the vote, a runoff will be held. The general election will follow in November.